S.1103 - Vessel Tracking for Sanctions Enforcement Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1103, the Vessel Tracking for Sanctions Enforcement Act of 2025, directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a pilot program using big data analytics to identify vessels evading sanctions and export controls. The program will be run through the National Targeting Center and coordinated with other agencies like the Department of Commerce and the Director of National Intelligence. A report assessing the program's usefulness must be submitted to Congress within four years of enactment.
Expected Effects
This act will likely enhance the ability of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to detect and interdict vessels attempting to circumvent U.S. sanctions and export controls. The pilot program's findings could lead to broader implementation of big data analytics in sanctions enforcement. It may also improve international cooperation by providing actionable intelligence to partner nations.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced national security by preventing the flow of goods to sanctioned entities.
- Improved enforcement of U.S. export controls, protecting sensitive technologies.
- Increased international cooperation through intelligence sharing.
- More efficient use of resources by targeting high-risk vessels.
- Potential for refinement of data analytics techniques for broader law enforcement applications.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for privacy concerns related to data collection and analysis.
- Risk of false positives, leading to unwarranted scrutiny of legitimate vessels.
- Costs associated with establishing and maintaining the pilot program, although no additional funds are authorized.
- Possible circumvention of the system by sophisticated actors.
- Limited scope of the pilot program may not provide a comprehensive solution.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the constitutional powers of Congress to regulate commerce with foreign nations (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) and to provide for the common defense (Article I, Section 8, Clause 1). The pilot program's focus on data analytics and intelligence sharing does not appear to infringe upon individual liberties or rights explicitly protected by the Constitution. However, implementation must be carefully monitored to ensure compliance with the Fourth Amendment regarding unreasonable searches and seizures.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).